The Ultimate Time Manipulators: Unveiling Anime's Most Powerful Chronokinetic Characters

Time-manipulating anime characters are a staple in the medium, and for good reason. From Dio and Jotaro in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure to Hit and Guldo in Dragon Ball, this ability has a profound impact on battles. The unique edge that time manipulation brings to combat sets it apart from other anime abilities, making it incredibly enjoyable to witness.

It's important to note that time-manipulating anime characters come in various forms and abilities. Some can freeze time, others can fast-forward or rewind it, and many more are showcased on this list, in no specific order.

Disclaimer: This article contains massive spoilers for the series these characters are involved in.

Jotaro, Dio, and other anime characters who can manipulate time

Two iconic anime characters who can manipulate time (Image via David Production).

Including both Jotaro and DIO on this list is logical due to their identical time-stop abilities, shared cry to activate them, and thematically connected Stands. These characters are highly influential in the world of JoJo's and are arguably the most iconic anime characters with the power to stop time.

DIO's time-stop abilities were initially hinted at when his Stand, The World, was introduced by Hirohiko Araki. In contrast, Jotaro's Stand, Star Platinum, underwent a transformative development during his battle with DIO, eventually acquiring the ability to halt time. This narrative twist continues to be a topic of debate in anime and manga history.

1) Jotaro Kujo and DIO (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure part 3: Stardust Crusaders)

The former King of Hueco Mundo (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Baraggan, the former ruler of Hueco Mundo, a land inhabited by Hollows in Bleach, held his position until Aizen seized control, causing the second-ranked Espada to bear a grudge against the former Shinigami. Despite losing his title as king, Baraggan's ability to age everything and everyone near him was the reason he ruled over Hueco Mundo. This power was demonstrated in his battle against Gotei 13 Captain Soi Fong, where he aged some of her fingers to the point of becoming mere bones. His overwhelming ability made him one of the most formidable opponents in Bleach and one of the most skilled anime characters capable of controlling time.

2) Baraggan Louisenbairn (Bleach)

An interesting one among anime characters who can manipulate time (Image via Toei Animation).

Dragon Ball Super's beginning was disappointing for loyal fans, making it challenging to fully invest in the project. However, among the initial arcs, Hit stood out as a refreshing and captivating character in this new anime.

Not only is he the most powerful character in Universe 6 and a renowned assassin, but he possesses the extraordinary ability to momentarily skip through time. While this may not seem significant compared to other anime characters who can manipulate time, it grants Hit a significant advantage in combat due to the incredible speed of Dragon Ball fights.

3) Hit (Dragon Ball Super)

Eri is a very interesting case on this list (Image via Bones).

Anime characters who possess the ability to manipulate time exhibit a wide range of capabilities due to the diverse nature of this concept. Among them, Eri from My Hero Academia stands out as an intriguing case due to her unique and peculiar method of manipulating time.

Eri possesses the extraordinary power to reverse the state of a person or an object in time. This ability was demonstrated when she successfully reverted Mirio Togata back to a point where he regained his superhuman abilities. Furthermore, Eri utilized her power to heal Deku during his intense battle against Overhaul. However, it is important to note that her power can also be used for harm, as she can revert individuals to a point before their existence. It should be highlighted though, that Eri, being a young girl, lacks absolute control over her exceptional capabilities.

4) Eri (My Hero Academia)

Itachi could manipulate time... sort of (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Itachi Uchiha may not be the first character that comes to mind when discussing anime characters capable of manipulating time, but his Tsukuyomi technique defied this expectation. Though more of an illusion than true time manipulation, the technique subjected its victims to prolonged torture that felt like several days.

This ability was showcased in the series when Itachi employed the technique to torment individuals like Kakashi and his own brother, Sasuke. Though only a few minutes may have passed in reality, both Sasuke and Kakashi experienced this timeframe as if it had lasted for days, a testament to the immense power possessed by Itachi.

5) Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)

Diavolo is another of those anime characters who can manipulate time (Image via David Production).

JoJo's creator, Hirohiko Araki, stands out among manga authors for his affinity for anime characters who possess the power to manipulate time. From the infamous villain DIO to the valiant hero Jotaro, Araki has brought to life a multitude of characters wielding this extraordinary ability. However, it is Diavolo, the captivating main antagonist in the fifth installment of the series, Golden Wind, who presents an intriguing case.

Diavolo's Stand, King Crimson, possesses the extraordinary capability to manipulate and skip through time. During the period prior to the anime adaptation, many fans struggled to comprehend the inner workings of this power. Simply put, King Crimson was able to propel itself five seconds into the future, while maintaining exclusive awareness of events that unfolded within that timeframe. This can be likened to skipping ahead in a YouTube video, while still retaining all the information contained within.

6) Diavolo (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure part 5: Golden Wind)

One of the precursors in anime when it comes to this ability (Image via Toei Animation).

Guldo, a member of the Ginyu Force, stands out as an anime character who possesses the ability to control time. Making his debut in the Namek saga of Dragon Ball Z, Guldo's unique talent of time manipulation leaves a lasting impression.

By merely holding his breath, Guldo could halt time, granting him a tactical advantage during his intense clash against Gohan and Krillin on Namek. However, despite this formidable ability, Guldo proved significantly weaker than his opponents as well as his fellow Ginyu Force members. Consequently, he failed to defeat them, ultimately resulting in his demise when he momentarily let his guard down, and Vegeta seized the opportunity to strike.

7) Guldo (Dragon Ball Z)

One of the lesser known anime characters who can manipulate time (Image via Bridge).

Fairy Tail offers an array of characters with unique abilities, and Dimaria Yestar stands out with her intriguing power. Handpicked by the god Chronos, she possesses the extraordinary capability to manipulate time.

Endowed with the title of a formidable war maiden, Dimaria was specially selected as Chronos' vessel. This bestowed upon her the extraordinary power to control the very fabric of time. Throughout her presence in the series, Dimaria astounds viewers with her utilization of this power, although some fans have debated whether her demonstration fully showcased her true potential.

8) Dimaria Yesta (Fairy Tail)

Yhwach has one of the most broken abilities in all of anime (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Studio Pierrot's anime adaptation of Bleach's Thousand-Year Blood War arc has introduced Yhwach to a wider audience of anime fans. However, viewers have yet to witness the full extent of his abilities, particularly his formidable power known as the Almighty. This ability, which can be considered time manipulation, sets Yhwach apart from other characters who possess similar skills. With the Almighty, he possesses the ability to foresee and alter every potential future according to his wishes. Throughout the final arc, Yhwach showcases this power in various moments, including his ultimate showdown with Ichigo Kurosaki to shatter the latter's true bankai.

9) Yhwach (Bleach)

One of the strongest anime characters who can manipulate time (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Julius stands as a prime exemplar in the realm of time manipulation within this topic. Black Clover presents a myriad of captivating characters and their extraordinary abilities, yet this particular magic knight captain emerges as a distinctive case due to his remarkable achievement of acquiring and mastering this power. Unlike those naturally endowed with such prowess, Julius underwent rigorous training to harness his capability, rendering him an exceptionally formidable force.

While most characters in this collection possess the capacity for only one form of time manipulation, Julius exhibits proficiency in an array of techniques. He possesses the ability to decelerate time, hasten its passage, preserve its essence, halt its progression, and even reverse its flow. This remarkable range of mastery not only showcases his unparalleled aptitude but also enabled him to defy death on multiple occasions throughout the series.

10) Julius Novachrono (Black Clover)

The world of anime has witnessed a myriad of characters who possess the remarkable power to manipulate time. This extraordinary ability not only captivates fans but also sheds light on the multifaceted nature of time itself. As the medium continues to evolve, we can expect to encounter even more enthralling renditions of this intriguing capability.